Round 3 ·
Japan
3-4-2-1
Hajime Moriyasu
HT: 0-0
Sweden
3-4-3
Graham Potter
Updated:
Half Time
0–0
90 Min
1–1
Goal Scorers
Assists
Ball Possession
Corners
Counter Attacks
Fouls
Free Kicks
Goal Attempts
Goal Kicks
Goals
Offsides
Red Cards
Saves
Shots Off Target
Shots On Target
Substitutions
Throws In
Treatments
Yellow Cards
Attacks
Dangerous Attacks
Total Passes
Japan
3-4-2-1 · Hajime Moriyasu
Goalkeeper
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards
Sweden
3-4-3 · Graham Potter
Goalkeeper
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards
Post-Match Analysis · Full Time
Hajime Moriyasu's side led through the second half and then had to absorb the response from Graham Potter's Sweden, with the result reflecting two teams that arrived level on 7 goals scored apiece but with very different defensive numbers: Japan had conceded 3, Sweden 7. For fans in Malta following the Friday 26 June, 01:00 CEST kickoff, it was the sort of late-night group fixture that quickly sharpened the table.
The shape of the game matched the numbers. Japan used a 3-4-2-1 and entered with 1 win and 2 draws from 3 matches, a record that explained both their composure and their caution. Sweden, set up in a 3-4-3, came in with 1 win, 1 draw and 1 loss from 3 and needed a result to stay close to the chase above them. Japan's 4-goal difference had already marked them out as the more secure side, while Sweden's 0 difference told a different story. That contrast was visible in the way the match settled after the first goal: Japan looked structured enough to protect control, but Sweden carried enough threat to pull it back.
Japan struck first in the 56th minute, the moment that fitted their stronger defensive profile and their position in 2nd with 5 points. Sweden answered in the 62nd minute, and that response mattered because it preserved their standing in 3rd and stopped Japan from opening a bigger gap. The 0-0 half-time score showed how carefully both teams managed the first period, and the finish underlined how little there was between them once the game opened up. With both teams on 7 goals for in the competition, the difference came down to how each side handled the moments after the break rather than to any shortage of attacking intent.
The broader table now makes the outcome easy to read. Japan stayed within touching distance of Netherlands, with the 2-point gap separating 1st and 2nd still intact at the end of the night. Sweden, on 4 points, remained in 3rd and had less room for error after conceding a late shift in momentum around the two goals. For Malta readers, the game was another reminder that World Cup Group F is being shaped as much by margins as by goals.
Japan will take more encouragement from the way they protected 2nd place on 5 points, while Sweden will look at the gap to 2nd and the 7 goals against as the issues that continue to define their campaign. With World Cup Group F now tighter at the top, the next round of fixtures will matter even more for both Hajime Moriyasu and Graham Potter.
Pre-Match Analysis · Full Time
World Cup Group F reaches Round 3 with Sweden carrying the cleaner start and Japan chasing them from just two points behind. At AT&T Stadium in Arlington, this will be a sharp early test of control, because Sweden arrive top with 3 points from 1 match, while Japan sit second on 1 point from 1 match. For fans in Malta, the timing is clear too: Friday 26 June, 01:00 CEST, with coverage available through the listed viewing options. The shape of the group is already tight enough that every detail here will matter.
Sweden's opening line is the stronger one. Graham Potter's side have won 1, drawn 0 and lost 0, and their 5 goals for against 1 goal against give them a goal difference of 4. That profile says they have started with authority at both ends of the pitch. Japan, under Hajime Moriyasu, have taken a different route: 0 wins, 1 draw and 0 losses, with 2 goals for and 2 against, which leaves them level in the middle of the table but still within touch of the pace. In a group this compact, those numbers frame a meeting that can quickly reshape the standings.
The points gap is small but meaningful. Sweden's 3 points and Japan's 1 point leave a 2-point gap at the top of the group, with Sweden leading and Japan second. That means Japan will not need a miracle to change the picture, but they will need a result strong enough to narrow the separation immediately. Sweden, by contrast, can protect the lead and make the final day feel like a position of strength. With both sides already through one match, this is less about reputation and more about the practical value of staying ahead in World Cup Group F Round 3.
Graham Potter will look to keep Sweden's early momentum intact, while Hajime Moriyasu will want Japan to turn a steady start into something more decisive. With Sweden already on 3 points and Japan on 1, the stakes are simple: the winner strengthens a Group F position, and the side that slips will be forced to chase later in World Cup Group F Round 3. The cleanest reading of the numbers is that Sweden have built the sharper platform, but Japan remain close enough to make the night competitive.
For fans in Malta, this will be one to track at Friday 26 June, 01:00 CEST, because the result could widen Sweden's lead or pull Japan back into the group race immediately.
That's it! The referee blows the final whistle
Ball possession: Japan: 52%, Sweden: 48%.
Sweden take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Lucas Bergvall from Sweden intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Japan are trying to create something here.
Japan are in control of the ball.
Ball possession: Japan: 51%, Sweden: 49%.
Yuto Nagatomo relieves the pressure with a clearance
Safe hands from Zion Suzuki as he comes out and claims the ball
Yuto Nagatomo wins an air challenge against Lucas Bergvall
Alexander Isak from Sweden sees his header hit the crossbar after the keeper parries the ball.
Yasin Ayari from Sweden swings in the corner from the left.
Yukinari Sugawara relieves the pressure with a clearance
Sweden are trying to create something here.
Sweden take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Yukinari Sugawara relieves the pressure with a clearance
Good effort by Anthony Elanga as he directs a shot on target, but Zion Suzuki saves it
Benjamin Nygren creates a scoring opportunity for his teammate
Shogo Taniguchi relieves the pressure with a clearance
Tsuyoshi Watanabe relieves the pressure with a clearance
Yukinari Sugawara relieves the pressure with a clearance
The fourth official shows there are 7 minute(s) of time to be added
Ao Tanaka makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Ball possession: Japan: 54%, Sweden: 46%.
Shogo Taniguchi from Japan intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Zion Suzuki from Japan intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Shogo Taniguchi from Japan intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Yukinari Sugawara is penalised for pushing Ken Sema
The game is restarted
Gabriel Gudmundsson is leaving the field to be replaced by Benjamin Nygren in a tactical substitution.
Victor Nilsson Lindeloef is injured and is replaced by Carl Starfelt.
Victor Nilsson Lindeloef is down injured and receives medical treatment on the field.
Play has been stopped because there is a player lying on the pitch.
The referee signals a free kick as Koki Ogawa from Japan trips Gustaf Lagerbielke
Victor Nilsson Lindeloef from Sweden intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Ball possession: Japan: 54%, Sweden: 46%.
After a tactical foul, Viktor Gyoekeres sees no other way than stopping the counter and receives a yellow card.
Viktor Gyoekeres is penalised for pushing Daichi Kamada
Hiroki Ito makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Sweden take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Yukinari Sugawara from Japan intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
A player from Sweden takes a long throw into the opponent's box
Goal kick for Sweden
Oooh... that was a sitter! Koki Ogawa should have scored from that position
Koki Ogawa from Japan fails to connect properly on the volley and sends the ball wide of target
The cross by Daichi Kamada from Japan successfully finds a teammate in the box.
Tsuyoshi Watanabe makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Viktor Gyoekeres from Sweden intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Junya Ito swings in the ball from a corner on the right, but it is nowhere near a teammate.
Gabriel Gudmundsson relieves the pressure with a clearance
Japan take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Anthony Elanga wins an air challenge against Hiroki Ito
Goal kick for Japan
A chance presents itself to Gustaf Lagerbielke from Sweden but his header goes wide
The cross by Yasin Ayari from Sweden successfully finds a teammate in the box.
The referee signals a free kick as Hiroki Ito from Japan trips Anthony Elanga
Ball possession: Japan: 54%, Sweden: 46%.
Sweden take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Daichi Kamada makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Ao Tanaka relieves the pressure with a clearance
Yukinari Sugawara successfully blocks the shot
A shot by Ken Sema is blocked
Zion Suzuki relieves the pressure with a clearance
A chance presents itself to Victor Nilsson Lindeloef from Sweden but his header goes wide
Yasin Ayari from Sweden swings in the corner from the left.
Tsuyoshi Watanabe successfully blocks the shot
A shot by Daniel Svensson is blocked
Shogo Taniguchi from Japan intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Shogo Taniguchi commits a rough foul on an opponent and goes into the referee's book
The ref blows his whistle. Shogo Taniguchi charged Viktor Gyoekeres from behind and it's a free-kick
The game is restarted
Play has been stopped because there is a player lying on the pitch.
The referee signals a free kick as Yukinari Sugawara from Japan trips Gabriel Gudmundsson
Japan are in control of the ball.
Sweden take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Ball possession: Japan: 54%, Sweden: 46%.
Keito Nakamura is leaving the field to be replaced by Yuto Nagatomo in a tactical substitution.
Ayumu Seko is leaving the field to be replaced by Tsuyoshi Watanabe in a tactical substitution.
Elliot Stroud is leaving the field to be replaced by Ken Sema in a tactical substitution.
Alexander Bernhardsson is leaving the field to be replaced by Daniel Svensson in a tactical substitution.
Obstruction as Alexander Bernhardsson cuts off the run of Daichi Kamada. A free-kick is awarded.
Alexander Bernhardsson relieves the pressure with a clearance
Japan take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Sweden take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Gustaf Lagerbielke makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
The referee signals a free kick as Elliot Stroud from Sweden trips Junya Ito
Japan take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Gustaf Lagerbielke relieves the pressure with a clearance
The game is restarted
Ball possession: Japan: 53%, Sweden: 47%.
Water break. It's hot out there today and the game is paused so the players can take some liquids on-board.
Anthony Elanga from Sweden is ruled offside
Daizen Maeda hand-balls
Daizen Maeda controls the ball with his hand
Ayase Ueda is leaving the field to be replaced by Koki Ogawa in a tactical substitution.
Ritsu Doan is leaving the field to be replaced by Junya Ito in a tactical substitution.
The referee signals a free kick as Viktor Gyoekeres from Sweden trips Ao Tanaka
Ao Tanaka makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
A player from Sweden takes a long throw into the opponent's box
Daizen Maeda relieves the pressure with a clearance
Elliot Stroud from Sweden takes a short corner kick from the right.
Ball possession: Japan: 54%, Sweden: 46%.
Yukinari Sugawara could cost his team a goal after a defensive blunder.
Alexander Isak shoots from outside the box, but Zion Suzuki has it under control
Alexander Isak tries his luck from distance but his effort ends up safely in the hands of Zion Suzuki
Alexander Isak makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
The referee signals a free kick as Daizen Maeda from Japan trips Alexander Bernhardsson
Japan are in control of the ball.
Today's attendance is 70137
Daichi Kamada is penalised for pushing Anthony Elanga
Victor Nilsson Lindeloef made the key pass for the goal!
Viktor Gyoekeres provided the assist for the goal.
G O O O A A A L - Anthony Elanga from Sweden beats the keeper from outside the box with the left foot!
Sweden are trying to create something here.
Yukinari Sugawara from Japan intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Daichi Kamada from Japan intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Ball possession: Japan: 58%, Sweden: 42%.
Hiroki Ito from Japan goes a bit too far there as the pulls down Viktor Gyoekeres
Yukinari Sugawara relieves the pressure with a clearance
Sweden take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Ao Tanaka relieves the pressure with a clearance
Yukinari Sugawara from Japan intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
A player from Sweden takes a long throw into the opponent's box
Yukinari Sugawara from Japan intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Yukinari Sugawara relieves the pressure with a clearance
Sweden are in control of the ball.
Ayase Ueda made the key pass for the goal!
Daizen Maeda managed to score from an easy position.
Ritsu Doan provided the assist for the goal.
G O O O A A A L - Daizen Maeda scores with the right foot!
Ritsu Doan creates a scoring opportunity for his teammate
Japan are trying to create something here.
Sweden take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Ball possession: Japan: 58%, Sweden: 42%.
Jacob Widell Zetterstroem from Sweden intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Japan are in control of the ball.
Alexander Bernhardsson makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Daizen Maeda makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Victor Nilsson Lindeloef relieves the pressure with a clearance
Daizen Maeda makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Daichi Kamada from Japan is ruled offside
Elliot Stroud relieves the pressure with a clearance
The cross by Daichi Kamada from Japan successfully finds a teammate in the box.
Gabriel Gudmundsson successfully blocks the shot
A shot by Ayase Ueda is blocked
Japan start a counter attack
Ayumu Seko makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Japan take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Japan take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Ayumu Seko wins an air challenge against Alexander Isak
Daizen Maeda from Japan is ruled offside
The referee signals a free kick as Elliot Stroud from Sweden trips Ritsu Doan
Goal kick for Japan
A chance presents itself to Gustaf Lagerbielke from Sweden but his header goes wide
Elliot Stroud from Sweden swings in the corner from the right.
Ball possession: Japan: 57%, Sweden: 43%.
Hiroki Ito from Japan intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Hiroki Ito from Japan intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Yasin Ayari from Sweden takes a short corner kick from the left.
Ayumu Seko relieves the pressure with a clearance
Viktor Gyoekeres wins an air challenge against Yukinari Sugawara
Goal kick for Sweden
Ao Tanaka fails to find the target with a shot from outside the box
Japan take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Sweden take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Yukinari Sugawara relieves the pressure with a clearance
Japan are in control of the ball.
Victor Nilsson Lindeloef relieves the pressure with a clearance
The second half is underway
It's over! The referee blows for half time
Ball possession: Japan: 57%, Sweden: 43%.
Zion Suzuki from Japan intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Hiroki Ito wins an air challenge against Viktor Gyoekeres
Sweden are in control of the ball.
Zion Suzuki from Japan intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Yasin Ayari swings in the ball from a corner on the left, but it is nowhere near a teammate.
Hiroki Ito successfully blocks the shot
A shot by Viktor Gyoekeres is blocked
Ao Tanaka wins an air challenge against Yasin Ayari
Yasin Ayari wins an air challenge against Ao Tanaka
Ao Tanaka makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Japan take a throw-in in their own half of the field
The referee signals a free kick as Yukinari Sugawara from Japan trips Lucas Bergvall
Alexander Isak from Sweden is ruled offside
The referee signals a free kick as Ritsu Doan from Japan trips Gabriel Gudmundsson
Alexander Bernhardsson from Sweden intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Ritsu Doan swings in the ball from a corner on the right, but it is nowhere near a teammate.
The fourth official shows there are 5 minute(s) of time to be added
Good effort by Keito Nakamura as he directs a shot on target, but Jacob Widell Zetterstroem saves it
Gustaf Lagerbielke from Sweden intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Ball possession: Japan: 55%, Sweden: 45%.
Japan take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Gabriel Gudmundsson relieves the pressure with a clearance
The cross by Keito Nakamura from Japan successfully finds a teammate in the box.
The referee signals a free kick as Lucas Bergvall from Sweden trips Ritsu Doan
Sweden are in control of the ball.
The referee signals a free kick as Alexander Bernhardsson from Sweden trips Daichi Kamada
The referee signals a free kick as Ao Tanaka from Japan trips Anthony Elanga
Gustaf Lagerbielke makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Hiroki Ito relieves the pressure with a clearance
Ritsu Doan is penalised for pushing Gabriel Gudmundsson
Yukinari Sugawara shoots from outside the box, but Jacob Widell Zetterstroem has it under control
Yukinari Sugawara tries his luck from distance but his effort ends up safely in the hands of Jacob Widell Zetterstroem
Ball possession: Japan: 54%, Sweden: 46%.
Daizen Maeda makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Ko Itakura is coming out with a knock and is replaced by Shogo Taniguchi.
The referee signals a free kick as Lucas Bergvall from Sweden trips Ao Tanaka
Ao Tanaka makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
The referee signals a free kick as Ayase Ueda from Japan trips Lucas Bergvall
Japan take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Isak Hien is injured and is replaced by Lucas Bergvall.
The game is restarted
Isak Hien is injured and is taken off the field to receive medical treatment.
Isak Hien is down injured and receives medical treatment on the field.
Play has been stopped because there is a player lying on the pitch.
The referee signals a free kick as Ao Tanaka from Japan trips Yasin Ayari
Ball possession: Japan: 52%, Sweden: 48%.
Gustaf Lagerbielke from Sweden intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Japan take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Japan take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Japan are in control of the ball.
After a tactical foul, Isak Hien sees no other way than stopping the counter and receives a yellow card.
Isak Hien from Sweden goes a bit too far there as the pulls down Ayase Ueda
Japan start a counter attack
Ao Tanaka makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Sweden take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Safe hands from Jacob Widell Zetterstroem as he comes out and claims the ball
Ball possession: Japan: 51%, Sweden: 49%.
Ao Tanaka makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Dangerous challenge by Elliot Stroud from Sweden. Yukinari Sugawara on the receiving end of that.
Isak Hien wins an air challenge against Ayase Ueda
Goal kick for Japan
Sweden are trying to create something here.
Ayase Ueda is penalised for pushing Isak Hien
Sweden take a throw-in in their own half of the field
The game is restarted
Ball possession: Japan: 55%, Sweden: 45%.
Water break. It's hot out there today and the game is paused so the players can take some liquids on-board.
Viktor Gyoekeres wins an air challenge against Ayumu Seko
Sweden are in control of the ball.
Sweden are in control of the ball.
Ko Itakura relieves the pressure with a clearance
Goal kick for Sweden
A chance presents itself to Daizen Maeda from Japan but his header goes wide
The cross by Hiroki Ito from Japan successfully finds a teammate in the box.
Goal kick for Japan
Sweden are trying to create something here.
Alexander Bernhardsson makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Safe hands from Jacob Widell Zetterstroem as he comes out and claims the ball
Victor Nilsson Lindeloef makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Ball possession: Japan: 56%, Sweden: 44%.
Ayumu Seko makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Sweden take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Elliot Stroud relieves the pressure with a clearance
Isak Hien wins an air challenge against Ayase Ueda
Japan take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Goal kick for Japan
Ao Tanaka is penalised for pushing Yasin Ayari
Jacob Widell Zetterstroem from Sweden intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Japan are in control of the ball.
The referee signals a free kick as Hiroki Ito from Japan trips Anthony Elanga
Gustaf Lagerbielke from Sweden intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Gabriel Gudmundsson successfully blocks the shot
A shot by Ritsu Doan is blocked
Goal kick for Japan
Ball possession: Japan: 50%, Sweden: 50%.
Sweden are trying to create something here.
Sweden take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Ao Tanaka from Japan intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
A player from Sweden takes a long throw into the opponent's box
Goal kick for Sweden
Japan are trying to create something here.
Ayumu Seko relieves the pressure with a clearance
Ko Itakura relieves the pressure with a clearance
Safe hands from Jacob Widell Zetterstroem as he comes out and claims the ball
Ritsu Doan relieves the pressure with a clearance
Ball possession: Japan: 54%, Sweden: 46%.
Ao Tanaka is penalised for pushing Anthony Elanga
Sweden start a counter attack
Yasin Ayari makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Isak Hien from Sweden intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Gabriel Gudmundsson from Sweden goes a bit too far there as the pulls down Ayase Ueda
Japan take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Yukinari Sugawara relieves the pressure with a clearance
Ao Tanaka from Japan is ruled offside
Isak Hien from Sweden intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Japan are in control of the ball.
Good effort by Alexander Bernhardsson as he directs a shot on target, but Zion Suzuki saves it
Gabriel Gudmundsson makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Japan start a counter attack
Daizen Maeda relieves the pressure with a clearance
Ball possession: Japan: 7%, Sweden: 93%.
Sweden are in control of the ball.
The referee signals a free kick as Ritsu Doan from Japan trips Yasin Ayari
Isak Hien from Sweden intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Japan take a throw-in in the opponent's half of the field
Sweden take a throw-in in their own half of the field
Isak Hien makes the tackle and wins possession for his team
Daizen Maeda from Japan intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Gabriel Gudmundsson swings in the ball from a corner on the right, but it is nowhere near a teammate.
Ritsu Doan from Japan intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Zion Suzuki from Japan intercepts a cross aimed towards the box.
Yasin Ayari swings in the ball from a corner on the left, but it is nowhere near a teammate.
Ao Tanaka relieves the pressure with a clearance
The pitch is in fantastic condition today and the players are enjoying the surface.
It's a nice warm day for playing football.
Sweden kick-off, and the game is underway.
The referee starts the match
Welcome to AT&T Stadium, the match will start in about 5 minutes.
Welcome to AT&T Stadium where the two teams take the field for the start of this match.
Welcome to AT&T Stadium where we are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the two teams
Welcome to AT&T Stadium, where we await the arrival of today's teams.
Welcome to AT&T Stadium, now all we need are the two teams.
Welcome to today's crucial game from AT&T Stadium. We are awaiting the arrival of both teams, in anticipation of a great match!
Local broadcast partners for Malta have not been confirmed at the time of writing. Check official Malta broadcast partners or your local rights holder for confirmed coverage.
Kickoff in Malta is at 01:00 CEST on Friday 26 June 2026.
Local broadcast partners for Malta have not been confirmed at the time of writing. Check official Malta broadcast partners or your local rights holder for confirmed coverage.
No injuries or suspensions are listed for either Japan or Sweden.
Japan and Sweden have no recorded head-to-head results in the last 8 meetings listed here: 0 Japan wins, 0 draws, 0 Sweden wins.
This is World Cup Group F, Round 3 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, USA.
Status
Finished
Attendance
70,137
Minute
90+4'
Cookie Preferences
We use necessary cookies to keep BW Signal working. Analytics cookies help us understand which pages perform well, and they run only if you accept them.
Cookie settings
Necessary cookies are always on. Analytics is optional and only controls Google Analytics measurement on this site.
Free Bet Refund up to $100 if your first bet loses
18+. T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly. Full Terms
Betway
It looks like you are visiting from , but you are currently browsing a different regional version of Betway. For the best experience, we recommend visiting the dedicated Betway site for .
Go to